Our organization
Zuyd is a large university of applied sciences with 13,000 students, 2,000 staff, and 11 locations in the southernmost region of the Netherlands. Our branches in Heerlen, Sittard, and Maastricht are each just about 15 minutes from the German and Belgian borders. 12% of our students come from abroad, mainly from our neighbouring countries, Belgium and Germany.
We offer a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and associate degree programmes. In addition, working professionals can come to Zuyd for further education and training. We conduct applied research within our research groups (in Dutch: lectoraten). Together with one or more study programmes, these make up an academy. All our programmes, research groups, and the Executive Board are supported by eight departments.
Our schools
Our academies connect teaching, research, and practice. Students gain the most up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills, while also meeting companies and institutions through these academies. Our directors ensure strong connections and collaboration between the academies.
Executive board
The Executive Board sets the strategic direction of the university of applied sciences and leads Zuyd. The Board consists of 3 members, each with their own areas of responsibility. Together, they are ultimately responsible for Zuyd’s strategy and form the day-to-day leadership of the university.
drs. André Postema, chairman:
"My areas of responsibility include strategy, marketing and communications, internationalisation, human resources and organisational development, and Sustainable Zuyd. I graduated in General Economics from the University of Groningen. I then gained experience as a manager and executive in business, education, science and healthcare. Among other positions, I worked as Vice President Public & Health at Ernst & Young and later at Capgemini Netherlands. I was also Vice President of the Executive Board of Maastricht University and President of the Executive Board of Limburgs Voortgezet Onderwijs. Before joining Zuyd, I was President of the Executive Board of Martini Hospital in Groningen. Alongside my main positions, I was a member of the Dutch Senate for 8 years. Since 2026, I have also been a member of the national Advisory Council for Science, Technology and Innovation."
Prof. dr. Saskia Brand-Gruwel, member:
"Since September 2019, I have been a member of Zuyd’s Executive Board. My areas of responsibility include education, research and quality assurance. Before joining Zuyd, I worked at the Open Universiteit in Heerlen for 20 years. As Professor of Educational Sciences, my last position there was Dean of the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences. During those years, my research focused mainly on the effectiveness of innovative curricula. It all started with my degree in Educational Sciences at Radboud University Nijmegen, where I also obtained my PhD. Alongside my role on Zuyd’s Executive Board, I am an honorary professor at Maastricht University and serve as a member or board member of various committees and advisory boards in the fields of education and research."
Rob van Kan, MCI Bsc, member:
"My areas of responsibility include business operations, education logistics, finance and control, risk management, housing and facilities, information technology and facility services. Working at Zuyd is particularly special to me: I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Biometry here. I then completed a Master’s degree in Criminal Investigation at the Police Academy. After graduating, I started my career with the Dutch National Police, where I eventually became Head of Criminal Investigations in Limburg. I then moved to Statistics Netherlands (CBS) in Heerlen, where I was Director-General of Data Services, Research & Innovation and also Managing Director of the Heerlen office. Today, I am delighted to bring my knowledge and experience to Zuyd, an organisation that feels like coming home to me.
Supervisory board
Our supervisory board oversees the policies of the Executive Board and looks at the general course of affairs. Council members use a review framework for this purpose.
Our supervisory board includes:
- Prof. dr. Marja van Dieijen-Visser (chairman)
- Theo Bovens MSc
- Ir. Jan Anne Schelling
- Hans Vossen MSc
- Fabiènne Hendricks Msc
Our supervisory board has 3 committees.
- Remuneration, Selection and Governance Committee
- Audit Committee
- Education and Research Committee
Governance
The Executive Board, the Supervisory Board, the Deans, and the Directors of Support Services each have clear tasks, responsibilities, and authority. These are laid down in the Managerial and Control Regulations. These regulations follow the by-laws of Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, the Higher Education and Research Act (WHW), and the Dutch code of good governance for universities of applied sciences.
Participation and co-decision
Student and staff participation is important. That's why our central participation council, service council and academy councils have a say in Zuyd's policies. They advise, consult, and vote on strategic and policy decisions within Zuyd.
Legal protection
Good governance also means protecting the rights of students and staff. Students can file complaints through the digital legal protection desk. Depending on the complaint, a confidential adviser, the ombudsman or the Board of Objections and Appeals will help. Staff, students, and customers can also contact an independent complaints committee. The integrity code sets out what behaviour we expect, and you can report wrongdoing through the whistle-blower scheme. Transparency is important to us in this context.